Pediatric Sedation Dentistry

Children, like many adults, can experience dental anxiety. It’s common for them to feel anxious at the dentist’s office, especially since it’s a new and unfamiliar environment.

Children experiencing anxiety or those with special needs who are unable to cooperate for necessary dental treatment may benefit from anesthesia services.

When you and your child come in for your appointment, Dr. Hoffmann, Dr. Thoms, or Dr. Behl will work with you to determine the best option based on your child’s anxiety level and ability to cooperate. We look forward to meeting you!

Pediatric Dentistry St Louis
Dr. Hoffman and his whole Staff are absolutely amazing we have a Special Needs Daughter 54 years old and the Compassion and Care they give her is wonderful! We would recommend them highly.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words and recommendation! Our team truly appreciates your trust and is honored to provide compassionate care to every patient who visits us.
The beat dentist office ever!!!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear you had a great experience with our team. 💙
I have NEVER had a positive experience with dentist…until now!! I was mind blown how kind the staff was, not just to me but to everyone! I have debilitating anxiety when it comes to dentists because of bad previous experiences, so I was very nervous. But, all the staff, including Dr. Thom, were very gentle, kind, and understanding. They took time to listen to all my concerns and address them, helping to put me at ease. I was also amazed how professional the whole office ran and how completely reliable they were. They easily guided me through the process and everything went so smoothly, including my sedation. I have never been treated so kindly by any dental office before, I was struggling to believe I wasn’t in some kind of dream. But. They really were that nice.

My recovery from sedation and all
The dental work they did to save my tooth was amazing, not a single issue! Dr. Thom even called personally to check on me a day later.

Coming back to put my permanent crown in was the same experience. They were all so kind,
Good about explaining everything they were doing and make the experience light and dare I say…fun.

I would drive 2.5 hours again in a heartbeat to do my work here. Best dental experience I’ve ever
had hands down!!!!!!! Thank you Dr. Thom for giving my life and tooth back. I’m so excited to not be in so much excruciating pain anymore!
Response from the owner:We can’t thank you enough for your kind and heartfelt words. Our entire team is dedicated to creating a gentle, supportive, and positive experience for every patient, so it means the world to hear your visit felt that way. We’re so glad you felt cared for and comfortable throughout the process, and we truly appreciate you making the trip to see us. Thank you for trusting us—it’s an honor to care for patients like you!
Dr. Hoffmann and his team takes great care of my special needs daughter. We have been coming here for over 20 years. The staff is so kind and patient with her and explains everything to help her stay calm.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for sharing your kind words and for trusting our team for so many years. We’re honored to care for your family and appreciate the opportunity to make each visit a positive experience.
I have had the best experience with Dr Behl and her staff! I have awful dental anxiety from some past experiences and they are so kind and supportive. Rebecca is incredible to work with. I highly recommend them to everyone I know!!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for sharing your kind words! We’re happy to know you felt supported and comfortable during your visit. Our team strives to create a welcoming environment for everyone, and we truly appreciate your recommendation.

Compassionate and Customized Dental Care for Kids

We understand that every child is unique, and some may experience anxiety, sensory sensitivities, or medical conditions that make traditional dental treatments challenging. Our pediatric dentist anesthesiologists are trained to address these concerns with empathy and expertise, delivering personalized care tailored to your child’s needs.

Dentistry for Children with Special Needs

Finding a pediatric dentist for special needs can sometimes be challenging. At The Dental Anesthesia Center, our pediatric dental anesthesia specialists have advanced training to interact positively with children with anxiety and special needs. Our office is fully equipped to accommodate patients with special needs, allowing us to deliver care in a relaxed and comfortable environment for you and your child.

We provide dental care for children with special needs, such as:

  • Trauma or PTSD
  • ADHD and other neurodevelopmental disorders
  • Sensory processing sensitivities
  • Behavioral or emotional challenges

Children with anxieties, phobias, severe gag reflexes, or difficulty getting numb are also candidates for our general anesthesia services.

What You Can Do to Help Your Child?

Positivity is Key!!! At a child’s first dental visit, parents play a vital role in creating a positive experience by “setting the stage.” Any fear or anxiety presented by the parents will be “picked up” by the child.

Parents can help ease their child’s dental anxiety by bringing them to their dental visits. When children see their parents go to the dentist, it lets them know it is not scary. Introducing the child to the dental office’s waiting room a few days before the dental visit will help the child feel familiar.

Please do not tell your child that something will hurt or be painful. This will only increase your child’s anxiety. Our main goal is to relieve our patient’s discomfort and restore their mouths to a healthy state. We strive to make all of our patients as comfortable as possible.

Are You Looking for a Pediatric Dentist Near You?

Call Us Today

The first two board-certified Dentist Anesthesiologists in the state of Missouri.

Why Choose The Dental Anesthesia Center?

  • Certified Anesthesia Expertise: Our team is certified to safely administer sedation and general anesthesia, ensuring your child’s comfort and safety.
  • State-of-the-Art Facility: Our office is equipped with advanced technology designed to provide the highest level of care.
  • Experienced Team: With years of specialized training, our staff is prepared to handle complex dental needs in a calm and nurturing environment.
  • Family-Centered Care: We partner with parents every step of the way, providing clear communication and support throughout the process.
Service Dog at the Dentist Office

Accommodations for Service Dogs

We welcome children who rely on service dogs for support. We understand the vital role these trained companions play in providing comfort and assistance during potentially stressful situations. Our facility is service-dog friendly, and we work closely with families to ensure the child and their service dog feel comfortable during the visit. From creating a designated space for the service dog to stay close by during treatment to accommodating any specific needs, we strive to make the dental experience smooth and supportive for all involved.

If your child uses a service dog, let us know in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements to provide a stress-free and welcoming environment.